Who here takes or has taken Verapamil? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

Editor · 01-04-2006, 12:29 PM

Greetings,

I am curious who here is taking or has taken Verapamil, and what was your experience? I am trying to find the "right" BP med and this is the latest prescribed for me. I took 10 mg. Lisinopril, and it kept my BP at a nice 125/70. But it gave me HORRIBLE stomach cramps. All I could eat was cottage cheese and crackers. Thought I had an ulcer and went through extensive testing, only to discover it was from the med.

Diuretic (hydrochlorothyazide) only shaved 5 points off my reading, made me pee at night and worsened my occasional PVC's to daily ones.

I am toying with trying Verapamil, but have read alot about the side effects, which seem to be more frequent and numerous than any listed for the drugs I did take. Also, I notice that a reduced heart rate is one of the more common ones, and my resting rate is already between 60 and 70 BPM, so I am thinking it might not be the wisest choice.

Any thoughts or med suggestions? My readings are averaging 140-145/90-95, but a reading of 135/80-85 is not uncommon.

Regards, Brenden.

lane413 · 01-04-2006, 06:19 PM

My mom takes verapamil for over five yrs. Verapamil can cause swollen ankles, breast enlargement (including men) and she complained of both. It does lower her bp now, but in the first three yrs nothing. Some men say it causes impotence.

cfoxj · 01-04-2006, 06:36 PM

I took verapamil for 11 years for SVT. It does lower your blood pressure, side effects for me were, dizziness and constipation and they were not severe. Overall, I would say it was a good medication for me. Good Luck!

bluebengal · 01-04-2006, 11:50 PM

I was taking 40mg of Verapamil. My doctor took me off it. It caused my heart rate to increase; I had indigestion, shortness of breath and stomach pains. I am taking Lotrel now.

Lenin · 01-05-2006, 05:57 AM

Benden,

IF you are getting AVERAGE readings over a long period of 140 and 145, I wouldn't medicate it. An unmedicated 142 is probably better than a medicated 130, really.

If it goes higher, try another ACEI, maybe another won't cause stomach aches. It's a good drug class if you can take it.

Verapamil WILL lower your heart rate so I think there are better choices if you want to medicate.